Cincinnati Reds vs Matt Harvey

Joey Votto, Scooter Gennett, Scott Schebler, Adam Duvall, Eugenio Suarez, Zack Cozart

Matt Harvey is far from his “Dark Knight” days as evidenced not only by this season but by his return from the disabled list, which saw him allow seven earned runs on eight hits over two innings against the Astros. The Reds should jump all over Harvey in this contest and I’d be willing to play pretty much anybody in that Cinci lineup but the LHH especially as they own an OPS of .915 against Harvey this season.

 

Chicago Cubs vs Jameson Taillon

Anthony Rizzo, Kyle Schwarber, Ben Zobrist, Ian Happ, Kris Bryant, Javier Baez

It has been an up and down season for Taillon as the Pirates righty is just 7-5 with a 4.50 ERA and a 1.51 WHIP over 21 starts.  On Thursday he will face off against the NL Central leading Chicago Cubs who he has already faced twice this season going 1-1 with a 3.00 ERA and while they numbers are not awful on a whole, it was his last start against the Cubs which saw him allow four runs on eight hits over five innings that shows Chicago can get to him.  Lefties are also giving Taillon some trouble this season as LHH are batting .317 with an .848 OPS on the year so be sure to get those Cubs LHH in your stack.

 

Kansas City Royals vs Kyle Gibson

Mike Moustakas, Eric Hosmer, Lorenzo Cain, Salvador Perez, Whit Merrifield

Gibson has been somewhat useful of late but I expect that trend to end sooner rather than later so why not tonight against a Royals team that is very familiar with what Gibson brings to the table.  Both the Twins and Royals are still in the hunt for a Wild Card slot with the Twins currently owning that second Wild Card entry. I would expect both clubs to be invested in this contest.  Both lefties and righties have hit Gibson with ease this season as he is allowing a .300 average and an OPS of .845 to opposing hitters this season. Take the top half of the Royals lineup in your stack tonight and you should be good to go.